For most of us, buying a property is the biggest type of purchase you will ever make. With so much to consider before putting a deposit down, you need to ensure you pick a home that’s suitable for your needs. Whether it’s having the money in place to cover all costs and fees, or choosing the right area, here are some things you should think about before searching for your dream home.
Area
Understandably, depending on the area, property prices will vary significantly. Even if you’ve got the funds to cover your dream home, it may not always be in your ideal area. The location is the single most important factor when buying a property, as it will have a huge impact on your home’s resale value. There may need to be some compromising involved on the area you live in, especially if you’re after an extra bedroom.
Mortgage Costs
As a first-time buyer, you will need to take out a mortgage that covers most of the total cost of your property. In most cases, a 10% minimum deposit is required to obtain a mortgage. Your credit score matters when applying for a mortgage, so it’s wise to obtain a copy of your credit report which will give you an idea of what lenders will see when reviewing your application. Remember, there are other costs you need to think about when paying for a property, such as solicitors’ fees.
Daily Commute
When considering an area to live in, you need to factor in your daily commute. If you’ve been working from home due to COVID-19 and have found that you’ll be back in the office soon, it’s best to stick with properties that are easy to commute to. If you have your heart set on rural locations, this could add on extra commuting time if you work in a town or city, meaning you’ll have to set your alarm much earlier in the morning! No one wants to spend more time than they have to commute, so it’s best to choose a home that has excellent transport links.
Safety and Security
After all the money you’ve saved for a deposit and new furniture, you’ll want to make sure your new home is safe and secure for you and your loved ones. Changing the door locks and setting up a home security system is the best place to start. To protect your assets in the event of theft or damage, it’s advised to take out home insurance too. Have a look around, Quotezone is a home insurance comparison website that lets you examine quotes from dozens of leading home insurance providers. As well as home insurance, you can compare contents insurance policies to protect what’s on the inside of your property.
Renovation Work
While some first-time buyers prefer to move into a home that doesn’t need anything doing to it, others like a challenge and undertake home improvement projects to get the property to their liking. Naturally, any renovation work will cost money, so you must have your finances in order beforehand.
Whether you’re looking for a home to start and raise a family in, or you’re after a property in a desirable location, taking all the above into account before parting with any money will fill you with confidence that you’ve made the right decision.
